“If you don’t clearly understand the problem, you won’t find the correct solution.”

Imposter Syndrome is a term that gets thrown around a lot these days.

It seems that whenever someone is struggling to do something in a public arena they chalk it up to Imposter Syndrome.

“I have a hard time telling my employees what to do and being more assertive.”
Must be Imposter Syndrome…

“I’m not putting out as much content as I should to promote the business.”
Must be Imposter Syndrome…

“Anything to do with interacting with other people isn’t super easy…”
Must be Imposter Syndrome…

While it’s great that people are looking for ways to understand what’s going on, Imposter Syndrome isn’t always the correct diagnosis… It’s just the end range of most people’s vocabulary around this issue.

“The depth of your vocabulary will determine the depth of your thoughts.”

A while ago I was asked a question from an entrepreneur who said he was trying to overcome the Imposter Syndrome that was stopping him from posting more content… Despite the fact that he was 100% confident that he’s great at what he does and provides way more value than most in his field.

Sounds off, right?

Here was my response:

“Some food for thought:

From what you wrote it's highly unlikely you have Imposter Syndrome (where you believe you're not good enough).

You're just afraid of potentially being judged.

The 2 might sound similar, but the approach to resolving them is different.

An easy way to differentiate between Imposter Syndrome vs. Fear of Judgement is to ask whether we downplay ourselves internally or only externally.

I.e. Do we not believe in ourselves or do we know we're great but we're afraid of putting ourselves out there and possibly being judged/coming off as arrogant?

Most people who truly have Imposter Syndrome don't have the internal belief that they're actually really good at what they do. It's why they feel like an imposter who doesn't truly measure up to others.

But if someone has an internal belief that they're great, but they don't want to externalize that in front of others, it's probably because they are afraid of being judged, losing love/approval, or being an outcast.

There isn't an actual "success gap" they feel a need to bridge before they'll be good enough, but rather an emotional insecurity in regards to public perception that holds them back.

From what you wrote it sounds more like the second.

If that resonates, then that's what you need to work on, the fear of being judged (and what the consequences you believe coming across as arrogant might have for your life and business).

And yes, owning that we have fears and insecurities is uncomfortable, especially as men.

And yes, using terms like "Imposter Syndrome" is easier, but getting clarity on and owning what truly holds us back is the necessary first step towards clarifying the actual problem and creating true progress.

Hope this helps.”

Quick question for you:
Are you clear on what’s actually holding you back?
If not, how can you get that crucial clarity?

Who dares wins,
Itamar

P.S. To get FREE access to our Elite Performance micro course go HERE.